Literacy is the cornerstone of personal independence, yet thousands of adults and children navigate daily life without essential reading skills. In this episode of Rutherford Issues, host Bryan Barrett sits down with Jolene Radnotti from Read to Succeed to discuss how local literacy initiatives are making a lasting, multigenerational impact across Rutherford County. From one-on-one adult tutoring and ESL classes to community book giveaways, discover how accessible educational resources are empowering families and changing life trajectories.

Read to Succeed relies heavily on community involvement and sustainable funding to keep every single program 100% free for participants. Jolene highlights the critical role of local volunteers and previews the organization's milestone event, the 20th Annual Celebrity Spelling Bee: Battle of the Bees, which brings together past champions to support local literacy efforts.

Key Takeaways:

• Free Community Resources: Read to Succeed provides cost-free literacy programs, ESL courses, and adult tutoring across Rutherford County.

• Multigenerational Impact: Improving adult literacy helps parents communicate with their children, breaking cycles of educational hardship.

• Volunteer-Driven Mission: Operating with a lean staff, the nonprofit relies on local volunteers to power its wide-reaching programs.

• Battle of the Bees: Details on the 20th Annual Celebrity Spelling Bee fundraiser featuring returning champion spellers on November 6th.